City of Casselberry City Commission Meeting - September 28, 2026

The City Commission met on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City Commission Chambers. The principal actions included adopting the final millage rate and the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operating budget, and approving the first reading of the Brightwater estate rezoning.

Presentations & Commendations

• Mayor Henson read a proclamation declaring October 8, 2026, as Community Global Methodist Church Day in honor of its 80th anniversary.

Public Hearings

• Resolution 26-3598 (Final Millage Rate): The Commission adopted a final operating millage rate of 4.2613 mills and a voted debt millage rate of 0.5911 mills for FY 2027. The operating rate is 9.87% above the rolled-back rate. Public speakers (Amanda Hart of 461 Iris Road, Josephine Lamonico of 948 Nibblick Drive, and Lindsay Feist of 516 Bridal Path) opposed the increase, citing resident hardship and a 63.9% increase in ad valorem tax revenue over two years. Commissioner Kirk supported the increase citing inflation and infrastructure needs. Commissioner Bush stated he would be the lone vote against the increase, advocating for fiscal belt-tightening. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Resolution 26-3599 (Final Operating Budget): The Commission adopted the final citywide budget of $101,811,992. The city manager detailed reductions from the tentative budget, including savings from health insurance, digital billboard advertising, professional services, and the discontinuation of the Flock camera program. Lindsay Feist noted the general fund's projected unassigned balance of $14.77 million (46%) is well above the 25% minimum reserve policy. Commissioner Kirk proposed a study on redistributing the 4% employee COLA to give larger increases to lower-paid employees. The budget was adopted 4-1, with Commissioner Bush casting the sole dissenting vote. The COLA proposal was directed to staff for future review.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda, which included the approval of a $1,236.07 legal services invoice from Fishback Dominick LLP, was adopted unanimously.

First Reading of Ordinances

• Ordinance 26-1638 (Brightwater Future Land Use Map Amendment): The Commission approved the first reading changing the land use designation of 535 Queens Mirror Circle and 700 South Lost Lake Lane from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Recreation and Open Space (ROS). Public testimony was overwhelmingly in favor, with residents like Deborah Bauer (Sterling Park HOA), Travis Kelly, Shannon Campbell, and Brenda Hendricks arguing it protects the historic property and green space from future development. Concerns about timing and costs were raised by Amanda Hart. The motion passed.
• Ordinance 26-1639 (Communications Rights-of-Way): The Commission approved the first reading of an ordinance aligning city code with SB 488, removing permit limits and setting a $30/linear foot security requirement. A Spectrum representative requested further review before the next reading.

Other Items

• Award of Bid for Gee Creek Erosion Control: The Commission approved a $604,430.50 construction agreement with Blue Terra LLC for repairs to two drainage ditches damaged by Hurricane Milton. The project is fully funded by an NRCS grant.

Citizens' Comments

• A speaker criticized Commissioner Kirk's COLA redistribution proposal, arguing it penalizes higher-skilled employees.
• Lindsay Feist raised concerns about ULDR rules preventing carport-to-living-space conversions and the extreme heat of artificial turf at the aquatic center.

Reports

• City Manager: Presented the August 2026 Procurement Report.
• City Attorney: Announced the city closed on the Castell property adjacent to the Police Department on September 16, 2026.
• City Clerk: Promoted National Night Out (Oct. 6) and a Food Truck/Mystic Arts event (Oct. 9).
• Commissioners: Provided updates on local events, clarified that Brightwater project costs are still conceptual and rely on private fundraising, and reiterated concerns over balancing capital projects with the city's affordability.

Key Outcomes

• FY 2027 Millage and Budget: Adopted. The millage rate (4.2613 mills) passed unanimously; the $101.8M budget passed 4-1 (Commissioner Bush dissenting).
• Employee COLA: Staff was directed to develop a plan to provide a larger COLA increase to lower-paid employees for future commission consideration.
• Brightwater Rezoning: Ordinance 26-1638 passed on first reading (unanimous), moving to second reading for final adoption.
• Communications ROW Ordinance: Ordinance 26-1639 passed on first reading.
• Gee Creek Erosion Control: Contract awarded to Blue Terra LLC.
• Castell Property: Purchase finalized.